The compassion in his voice had an undeniable ring of sincerity to it.
“Thank you. And I’m sorry for your loss as well. Your wife died of cancer a few years ago, isn’t that right?”
“Yes. Leukemia.” He sounded surprised and not particularly pleased that she knew that much about him.
“Your mother and my mother are good friends,” she reminded him. “I know we’re all strangers to you but some of us already feel like we know you through your mother.”
“Perhaps my mother ought to stop gossiping about me with the neighbors.”
“You’ll have to take that up with her.”
“I will. Trust me.”
She smiled at the annoyance in his voice. “As far as I’m aware, your mom doesn’t blab your business all over town, if that’s what you’re worrying about. I probably know more than most people, simply because I worked with your mom on her own renovations and then she hired us again after you bought Stormhaven. In the course of our working relationship, she has told me a few things about your situation. I know, for instance, that you bought the house basically unseen and wanted to completely renovate it.”
“What was I thinking?”
Oh, she liked him, far more than she might have expected. “You were thinking you and your children needed a fresh start somewhere and it made sense to move closer to your mom. For what it’s worth, I think you made a great choice.”
He smiled down at her and Rosie suddenly felt warm despite the breeze blowing off the water.
“Thank you. It’s good to hear at least one person in towndoesn’t think I’m reckless and irrational to pick up and move my kids hundreds of miles from the only home they’ve ever had.”
“I’m not the only one. Trust me. Everyone is thrilled that someone is finally doing something with Stormhaven. It’s a gorgeous property and most people in town would much rather see a family live there then have it be turned into vacation condos, like the previous owners planned to do.”
“I suppose that’s something.”
“I’m sure people will tell you the same thing themselves when they have the chance to meet you.”
“I’m not exactly a hermit. I’ve met a few people.”
“If you’re ready to meet more, we have our summer neighborhood party coming up soon.”
“What summer neighborhood party?”
“When you live in a small town with a big tourist presence, you have to work hard to socialize with your neighbors or you end up disconnected and outnumbered.”
“I can see where that might be a problem.”
“A few years ago, a core of about ten of us decided to start up occasional gatherings. It’s grown exponentially since then. We take turns. Every few months we have a potluck and everyone is invited. There are usually brats, burgers, chicken breasts and a few vegetarian options. I can’t promise you grand entertainment or gourmet food, but it might be a good way for you and Finn and Zara to meet some of your new neighbors.”
She could tell at once that he did not look thrilled at the idea. Did he have something against meeting his neighbors or was he simply naturally introverted?
“We could do that.”
“I’m sure your children would enjoy it. This time it’s a barbecue at my house, as long as the weather cooperates.”
“What if it doesn’t? It’s Oregon, after all. You get your fair share of rain.”
“True. Then we’ll move the party to the community center, over on Thimbleberry Drive. We have a standing reservation. But keep your fingers crossed for good weather.”
“I’ll be sure to do that,” he said, his voice dry.
“I should give you fair warning that you will probably be the center of attention. Don’t be surprised if you end up fielding a bunch of questions about The Starbound Chronicles. You have a lot of fans here.”
A funny expression crossed his features. He opened his mouth as if to answer then appeared to think better of whatever he intended to say, leaving her to wonder again if he had overheard her talking about his books with Emma.
More than ever, she hoped he hadn’t.
